Former England lock Mouritz Botha has joined Newcastle Falcons in a three-year deal after returning from his native South Africa.

The 33-year-old spent last season in Super Rugby with the Sharks after six successful years at Saracens, helping the London club to the 2011 Premiership title.

Capped 10 times by England during 2011 and 2012, he helps fill the gap created by Dom Barrow’s departure for Leicester Tigers.

Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards was delighted to have landed such a proven campaigner, saying: “I’m very pleased to have been able to secure Mouritz’s services.

“He is a proven talent at the highest levels of the game and will add another dimension to our second-row options.

“He has a vast array of experience in two of rugby’s best club competitions and we are looking forward to seeing him deliver the sort of performances that were his trademark during his time with Saracens.

“With three other full internationals alongside him, we have a very deep talent pool to draw on this season at lock alongside some exciting young prospects who will only benefit from having Mouritz around.”

The internationals in question are Samoa’s Kane Thompson and Italy’s Josh Furno, both of whom are expected to miss the start of the Aviva Premiership due to Rugby World Cup commitments.